Subscribehttp://www.bellerbys.com/blogThe latest blog entriesen{CA4DE78E-4457-4CB4-A979-FCF49FF58D25}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/accommodation/the-pros-and-cons-of-living-with-a-host-family{0863BA2B-4A0C-40E9-AE41-867C6FBA9A5D}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/bellerbys-brighton/10-reasons-to-study-in-brighton{E8AA1800-8E8C-4986-9DE4-BBE5889927F0}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/university-preparation/what-is-a-pre-university-course{D64E33F6-BCD1-4EC9-904A-B53985C156E3}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/university-preparation/1-year-courses-to-get-to-university{6DD1369D-1EF7-49BC-858E-2DE5C19E4D2B}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/study-abroad/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-study-abroad{18169853-7A11-4F94-8E6A-812BA8014CAE}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/five-ways-to-make-your-learning-more-effective{F402FF90-998D-474A-8A0E-631C4E0157F2}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/experience-a-scientific-city-with-bellerbys-college-cambridge{458DA0D9-38C8-4EF1-A85A-E1319122DDDF}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/excellent-a-level-results-success-for-bellerbys-students{0E616BB2-A83D-412E-BA75-77D0AC496094}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/tips-for-studying-abroad-in-the-uk{62D1F61E-C8BD-4532-85DF-404372613BE9}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/the-best-a-level-college-in-the-uk{48303FC5-8009-491D-8E8D-F687C90693A9}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/university-preparation/what-do-uk-universities-look-for-in-applicants{B2D661A8-ACA0-429B-BA73-80E1E88C2EF6}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/courses/a-level-or-foundation-which-should-i-choose{51739CC4-E2AA-4367-AA92-323EA20C2655}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/bellerbys-london/why-study-business-in-london{008667D8-0224-4395-97D9-EB2A8941BBAD}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/induction-programmes-for-international-students{4D21B64C-22DD-4251-BEFE-1FF989EE31EC}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/study-abroad-what-to-pack{7313399E-A94A-41CC-9825-5EC5CFC35283}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/prepare-for-a-levels{CBE3A46F-A306-4460-A5B9-40BF00C8FE61}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/where-are-they-now{5A44187E-9E39-4199-B952-3C16CCF2CCBA}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/study-in-the-uk-without-ielts{12E4E62B-C211-4A63-8777-ADA4022C39C1}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-at-bellerbys-college{415AE66C-8D3F-49AC-8BE8-033FA38F1DE4}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/study-abroad/colleges-uk-international-students{FD5DECDF-FDF8-44DA-8DD7-48DED514E57C}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-in-college{E29BC957-D89E-46B7-9571-F9D145C1EBE5}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/study-abroad/top-10-reasons-to-study-abroad{B68519BF-C308-4E47-8CCB-51FADC0FBCA4}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/study-abroad/what-gives-international-students-the-competitive-edge{D6D1BFE5-EC3B-4A37-95CE-6A083155F7F4}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/courses/how-does-a-level-work-in-the-uk{2D9E5285-DD21-429B-BD21-367578376CB6}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/how-to-apply-for-a-level-in-the-uk{EFA8DCC7-B8E2-4F73-A028-76DA640F5534}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/how-to-be-a-successful-a-level-student-5-tips{8B9606F6-6E1C-442D-9B87-20D6994A3244}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/university-preparation/top-10-bellerbys-university-destinations-in-the-uk{608F0ABB-7A92-47F9-98DA-BCF20066AF2C}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/a-career-in-medicine-for-international-studentsA career in medicine for international students<h2>Reasons to study Medicine</h2>
<p>Medicine is a degree that combines the practical with the theoretical. As well as preparing students to become doctors, scientists, psychiatrists and more, studying Medicine will teach you many other transferable skills.</p>
<p>Getting a place in medical school is a hugely competitive process. Each year over 80,000 students apply for only 7,424 places.</p>
<strong></strong>
<h3>Requirements to study Medicine in the UK</h3>
<p>To study Medicine at a UK university, you will usually need to achieve A grades in each of your A Levels. Some popular subjects for medical students include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/find-your-course/a-level/a-level-chemistry">Chemistry</a></li>
<li><a href="/find-your-course/a-level/a-level-biology">Biology</a></li>
<li><a href="/find-your-course/a-level/a-level-physics">Physics</a></li>
<li><a href="/find-your-course/a-level/a-level-mathematics">Mathematics</a> </li>
</ul>
<p>You can also choose to study a <a href="/find-your-course/foundation/foundation-science-and-pharmacy">Science Foundation</a>,&nbsp;where you study different science related modules rather than separate subject classes.</p>
<p>As well as academic skills, to study Medicine in the UK you will also need to have:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 (although some universities will only accept 7.5)</li>
<li>Work or volunteering experience in hospitals, care homes and hospices</li>
<li>Taken either the BMAT or the UKCAT exams</li>
</ul>
<p>The UKCAT does not contain any science questions and is focussed on testing your attitude and mental ability. You can take the test between 1<sup> </sup>July and 5 October in the year you apply to medical school. The BMAT is the more subject specific of the two tests. Every student will take this test on the same day, in the first week of November.</p>
<p>At Bellerbys, you will be entered in both of these exams. This ensures you have the most preparation possible and have the option to apply to the medical school of your choice.</p>
<h3>Medical school preparation with Bellerbys</h3>
<p>As medical schools look for a lot more than grades when accepting students, it is important to continue learning outside of the classroom. At Bellerbys Cambridge, a city of science and innovation, medical preparation involves a wide range of specialist enrichment activities alongside your <a href="/gerrors/404.aspx?item=web%3a%7bF8878D19-CDB2-4664-B136-95AA233183BF%7d%40en">A Level programme</a>. These activities allow you to gain practical knowledge building on what you learn in class.</p>
<p>Our Brighton college is home to our <a href="/study/universities/medical-school-preparation">Elite Medics</a> programme, where you get first-hand experience at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. As well as enrichment activities, Elite Medics get the unique experience of attending medical school classes, helping you to prepare for your future.</p>
<p>It is also possible to attend medical school after studying a Foundation programme. Our Brighton and Cambridge colleges both offer the Science and Pharmacy Foundation.</p>
<h3>How long is medical school in the UK?</h3>
<p>Studying Medicine in the UK can involve more than ten years of training. You should expect:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Two years of Science-related A Levels or one year of a Science and Pharmacy Foundation programme</li>
<li>5 years of undergraduate study</li>
<li>2 years of a postgraduate foundation course</li>
<li>3-8 years of specialist training in your chosen area</li>
</ul>
<strong></strong>
<h3>Where to study Medicine</h3>
<p>Our students go on to study Medicine in some of the best universities in the UK and Ireland, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>University of Edinburgh</li>
<li>Imperial College London</li>
<li>Newcastle University</li>
<li>University of Bristol</li>
<li>University of Manchester</li>
<li>Plymouth University</li>
<li>University of Central Lancashire</li>
<li>Royal College of Surgeons Ireland&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Study at Bellerbys to begin your career in medicine. Find out more about studying in <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton">Brighton</a> or <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-cambridge">Cambridge</a> today.</p>Tue, 17 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0700{09EBFDDE-B535-4EB3-BBB7-3B1A8813BF91}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/explore-london-through-food-and-festivities{56523382-2920-4E20-97FD-44B2512CA899}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/former-student-featured-in-the-forbes-30-under-30-list{1A428C2D-AE4B-4A99-B2BE-61F1BFDE5976}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/why-should-international-students-study-in-the-uk{FDF0E856-2463-4E22-ABD2-114BE1984FED}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/the-best-foundation-college-in-the-uk{A72FD6B1-4046-4CBA-AE1C-AE0CA967C81D}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/where-are-the-best-places-to-study-in-the-uk{1131A165-ACFD-4567-91E1-C807C3171BF8}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/best-boarding-schools-in-the-united-kingdom{33833D5F-1859-4FDE-AE1E-CB8A741785E1}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/are-you-joining-bellerbys-in-september{79661EE4-95B9-47E2-A52D-4DCF547B362B}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/teachers-supported-student-to-get-into-university-of-oxford{F5306FF1-2BB6-405D-95D5-C8074EA49B0A}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/bellerbys-london/bellerbys-college-in-london-social-programmes{07D28EA1-F2FB-4BBB-87DB-29E2FA56C9DD}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/bellerbys-london/10-drawbacks-about-london-that-are-actually-good-things{05273278-317D-4A89-AD01-493D4F951727}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/bellerbys-cambridge/10-top-reasons-to-study-in-cambridge{C0908001-1043-4C48-AC80-3AFDE91DA97C}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/great-participation-at-ukmt-maths-challenge{5068338A-648C-43AE-8054-DC96BA6B07A6}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/what-to-wearWhat to wear<h2>What to wear when studying at international college </h2>
<p>This is a critically important question and it is hugely variable, much like the British weather. If your college is in or near the city centre, I recommend bringing a minimal amount of clothing and using the space for other things you may want to bring. </p>
<p>Buying new clothes when you get here is not difficult. All city centres in Britain offer a wide range of affordable chains and boutique shops on every high street, so you can stock up according to the weather when you arrive. Even if your college and your hall of residence are far away from the city centre, almost all high street brands have online shops and delivery services.</p>
<h3>What to bring?</h3>
<p>If you bring a week’s worth of clothes that will give you time to settle in before you need to do laundry and go shopping. As a male, I recommend a light-weight waterproof jacket (no matter if it's nylon or leather), t shirts, one shirt for formal occasions, three trousers with other accessories, socks and pants. </p>
<p>I would not recommend bringing too much warm clothing, because there is a big chance that you won't wear all of it. Besides, if it really is that cold, you can buy more clothes here. A padded coat or jacket will take up a lot of space in your luggage, so I recommend buying one in Britain if you need to, since you may not feel it's too cold when you get here.</p>
<h3>What to wear?</h3>
<p>In England there are a variety of styles to be seen around towns and cities so you'll feel comfortable wearing what you usually wear at home. </p>
<p>Some colleges will provide you with guidelines or even a school uniform so this may not be your concern. At independent colleges like <a href="/life-at-bellerbys">Bellerbys</a>, you can wear what you like. Since your clothing has a direct impact on how you present yourself, this can be a significant decision, especially on the first day of the term. If you are starting in the Autumn term, which is the most common option, I would say a jacket with short sleeves and a t-shirt will be comfortable enough since a British autumn is not very cold. </p>
<p>You may want to wear a shirt for the first day if you like, but I wouldn’t recommend a suit - you are here to study and it’s a good idea to ensure you feel comfortable. After the first day you should have a good idea about what other people wear and you can make the decision yourself for the following days. </p>
<p>On formal occasions, such as a talk or a ball, it is traditional for men to wear a suit. A black, grey or navy blue suit is most common and a different colour can make you stand out if you want to be different.</p>
<p>As for style, Britain - especially <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton">Brighton</a> and <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-london">London</a> - offers a range of fashion options and it’s your choice as to how you want to dress and how much you wish to stand out.</p>
<h3>What about the weather?</h3>
<p>It is inevitable that everyone has different feelings about the British climate, but coming from East Asia I do understand that some people are very concerned about extreme weather. </p>
<p>Weather wise, south-eastern England is moderately warm and although it rains quite often, heavy rain is quite rare. In the cooler regions of northern England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (the further north you go, the colder it feels) you may need a wool or bubble jacket.</p>
<p><a href="/life-at-bellerbys/your-life-at-bellerbys">Discover more about student life at Bellerbys</a></p>Wed, 10 May 2017 16:00:00 -0700{62B29B48-A339-4C56-85C4-6A081B046C29}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/my-college-experienceReflecting on my college experience<h2>The international college experience&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Two Bellerbys graduates, Abegail and Almus, talk about how doing a Foundation year at Bellerbys smoothed their transition to university, helped them make to friends-for-life and develop valuable life-skills.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Abegail's story</h3>
<p><strong>&ldquo;I consider the best year of my life to be the year I spent in Bellerbys&rdquo;</strong></p>
<p>After her Foundation year at <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-london">Bellerbys College London</a>, Abegail went on to study a&nbsp;BSc (Hons) Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London. She told us how the Bellerbys experience helped make the transition to university life much easier.</p>
<p>"When&nbsp;I was asked to fill out an end of year survey about Bellerbys, I remember being asked to describe my college experience in one sentence. I don&rsquo;t remember the exact wording of my answer, but it went something like, 'So far, I consider the best year of my life to be the year that I have spent in Bellerbys'.</p>
<p>When I first arrived at&nbsp;Bellerbys I was shy and uncomfortable. As much as I aspired to study abroad, it was particularly difficult for me to step out of my comfort zone during my first few months in school. Like many international students, it was hard for me to leave the comfort of the familiar in favour of the unknown. But hey, if you want something you&rsquo;ve never had before, you&rsquo;ve got to do something you&rsquo;ve never done before, right?</p>
<p><img style="width: 351px; height: 471px; margin: 1px;" alt="students eating" src="/-/media/Bellerbys-Site/Blog-old/Blogs/studentblog2013/studentbreakfast.jpg" /></p>
<p>It wasn&rsquo;t until the later half of the academic year that I became more comfortable with the whole studying abroad experience.&nbsp;I realised that only had three months left before graduating from the college, and thought it would be best to make the most out of the little time left. Things started to change when I finally let go and loosened up. I started to meet the most amazing people from various places around the world (diversity &ndash; one of the things I love about Bellerbys). Together with these friends, we explored all the interesting things London has to offer! That included theatrical plays (esp. Les Miserables), music festivals, history museums, food markets, and all the culturally rich places ranging from the iconic London Bridge to the more edgy Camden Town.</p>
<p>Apart from exploring London, we also thoroughly enjoyed the international culture within the college itself. I especially loved the International Food Night where we could taste different local dishes from all around the world! Overall, <a href="https://www.bellerbys.com/colleges/bellerbys-college-london" target="_blank">studying in London</a> didn&rsquo;t just equip us with the skills we needed for university, it also made the whole university preparation experience a memorable one. </p>
<p><img style="width: 580px; height: 388px;" alt="students in lecture" src="/-/media/Bellerbys-Site/Blog-old/Blogs/studentblog2013/studentatuniversityuk.jpg" /></p>
<p>I thoroughly enjoyed the whole university experience, both academically and socially, and have Bellerbys to thank that for. <a href="/find-your-course/foundation">The foundation year</a> I did at Bellerbys prepared me for the university course really well. Most of the topics I encountered during the first year were already covered in the foundation class, so my first months at university were relaxed and I had time to get to know my course mates.</p>
<p>More than anything else, I still hang out with the friends I &nbsp;made in Bellerbys. Even though our time in the college was relatively short, nine months for most of us and even only six months for some! However, in that short period of time, I&rsquo;m eternally grateful for meeting so many interestingly different and wonderful people that I can consider as life-long friends. As the famous saying goes, &ldquo;Friends are the family we choose for ourselves&rdquo;. After all the most random, hilarious and priceless memories we have, I couldn&rsquo;t agree more with this statement. All of us stayed in touch despite going to different universities. Sometimes, we even bring our university friends to our gatherings. In fact, we celebrated Halloween together this year !"</p>
<h3>Almus's story</h3>
<p><strong>"The atmosphere in Bellerbys College is very friendly"</strong></p>
<p>Before he went on to study Games Development at Brighton University, <strong>Almus</strong> did an IT Foundation year at <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton">Bellerbys Brighton</a>. He told us what he enjoyed most about his time at Bellerbys.</p>
<p>"One of the&nbsp;things I liked most about my time at Bellerbys was the college atmosphere, which was very friendly and the&nbsp;teachers and the staff were helpful and inspiring.&nbsp;I enjoyed studying subjects that really interested me. &nbsp;Furthermore, the time I spent here gave me an invaluable insight into how British students live.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="/find-your-course/foundation/foundation-computing">The Bellerbys Computing Foundation Course </a> helped prepare me for my further studies by providing me with all the information I need to know to do well at university. Apart from the academic side, we were taught how to anticipate and solve problems before they occur. We were shown how to build our self confidence, and given guidelines on how to find a suitable accommodation in a foreign country.</p>
<p>I wouldn't be where I am today without Bellerbys because in order to go to a British university you have to possess, not only qualifications, but also sufficient knowledge about how to study and solve problems. Bellerbys College provides international students with both skills. Completing the Bellerbys certificate opens the door to many opportunities."</p>
<p><a href="/life-at-bellerbys/our-alumni">Meet more of our alumni</a></p>Thu, 27 Apr 2017 16:00:00 -0700{676A754F-D6A5-4FD3-8796-248EF3810FEE}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/student-life/how-to-make-friends-at-international-collegeHow to make friends at international college<h2>Making friends when you arrive&nbsp;</h2>
<p>No one is an island - you&rsquo;ve probably come across that saying before. As well as studying and going to class, your social life is a big part of college life.</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s one of the huge benefits of studying at an international college. It&rsquo;s just like having a huge box of different chocolates to choose from. You can make life-long friends people of various nationalities from all over the world. The question is: how do I do this?</p>
<h3>1. Have confidence</h3>
<p>Remember that when you first arrive, everyone else will be as nervous as you are. Don't be afraid to make the first move and reach out to others. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be much, just a friendly 'hello' is a big step towards making new friends.</p>
<h3>2. Smile</h3>
<p>This is so important. Remember you&rsquo;re in a building full of people who are all potential friends. When you smile, you look cheerful and more approachable.</p>
<h3>3. Be nice</h3>
<p>There are so many ways to be nice. Holding the lift or door is a good start. People will appreciate it and remember how friendly you are. Look for more nice ways to connect with people.</p>
<h3>4. Join in</h3>
<p>Bellerbys Colleges offer a range of non-academic activities&nbsp;from street dance, drumming and acapella singing, to football, table tennis, basket ball and so much more. There&rsquo;s always something to get involved. As well as being lots of fun, you&rsquo;ll get to meet people who have the same interests as you.</p>
<h3>5. Interact in class</h3>
<p>At Bellerbys, everyone is assigned to a class with a maximum of 10 people. That's nine potential new friends. It&rsquo;s normal to be shy initially but as time goes on try to involve yourself in the class. Participate actively in discussions try not to be passive or silent. This will not just help improve your grades but also improve your confidence and help to make good friends within the class.</p>
<p><a href="/life-at-bellerbys/your-life-at-bellerbys">Discover more about student life at Bellerbys</a></p>Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:00:00 -0700{3A749438-E6B3-4B77-BC69-860A2B11FB35}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/arrivals/what-to-do-when-you-first-arrive-in-the-ukWhat to do when you first arrive in the UK<h2>Arriving in the UK as an international student</h2>
<p>It is never easy to pack-up your life in two suitcases and uproot yourself to move to a faraway land. This challenge is no less difficult for international students moving to the UK. Anyone from a different country, or even a different continent, who arrives in Britain for the first time is bound to feel confused to begin with. I was perplexed when I first arrived in the UK. There were plenty of forms to fill in and many tasks to be done before I could settle in.</p>
<p>There are the most important items for your arrivals To-Do list.</p>
<h3>Get a UK phone number</h3>
<p>One of the first things you should do when you arrive is get a UK mobile SIM card for your phone. </p>
<p>Of course you'll want to call you family as soon as your plane touches-down to let them know you've arrived safely. It's a lot cheaper to call home using a UK mobile service. Many of the registrations you need to go through will also ask for your contact number, so it's useful to have a UK number from the start. </p>
<p>There are many mobile phone service providers to choose from in the UK. Do some research on which providers and packages will suit you before you leave home, to save a lot of time when you arrive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Lycamobile and Giffgaff UK are very popular among international students as they offer bargain international calling charges. You can choose a Pay As You Go or a monthly mobile contract, depending on how much you will use your phone. And Bellerbys students can get a Lebara SIM card, which you can top-up, from Student Services.</p>
<h3>Set up a bank account</h3>
<p>It is never wise to carry a large amount of cash with you. If you will be staying in the UK for six months or longer you should open a bank account as soon as possible. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Some banks may require a three-month or longer residency in the UK to be eligible to open a bank account. To open a bank account you will need to provide the bank with your passport, along with your letter of acceptance from your college or institution and proof of address (which can be obtained from your school&rsquo;s Student Service).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ideally choose a bank that has branches on campus or near your accommodation.&nbsp;There are plenty of banks to choose from and the most popular with international students are HSBC (which has branches in many countries), Lloyds TSB and NatWest.&nbsp;Most banks in the UK are open from 9:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (except on bank holidays)&nbsp;and sometimes on Saturday morning.&nbsp;Current account sometimes have a monthly charge, others are free.&nbsp;Do some research and ask for advice from Student Services before making a decision.</p>
<h3>GP registration</h3>
<p>If your study in the UK lasts six months or longer you are entitled to receive free treatment from the British National Health Service (NHS) from the very beginning of your stay. This applies to both routine appointments with a doctor - who are called General Practitioner, or GP, in the UK - and hospital treatment.</p>
<p> You will be reminded to register with a GP the very first day you come to school. GPs are the first point of contact when you are feeling unwell. Your college will provide you with a list of local GP surgeries for you to choose from. To register with a GP, simply take your passport, letter of enrolment as proof of your identity, and proof of address to the GP surgery.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are under 16 years old, or under 18 years old and in full education, you are entitled to free NHS prescription and an NHS eye test. Dental treatment however is not free.</p>
<h3>Police registration</h3>
<p>Students from certain countries are required to register with the police within seven days of your arrival in the UK. </p>
<p>To find out whether or not you are obliged to do so, check your visa or residence permit or entry clearance stamp. </p>
<p>If you are in London it is likely that you must register at the Overseas Visitors Record Office. If you live outside London you will be asked to register at a major local police station. You must take your passport and two photographs of yourself with you.</p>
<h3>Travel pass</h3>
<p>If you will be living with a host family you should get a bus pass, or Oyster card in London, to save money when you travel to and from college. Ask your host family or Student Services to tell you where you can get one.</p>
<p>If you live in college campus accommodation may not need a bus pass or Oyster card, but there will still be discounted travel tickets that you can use when you explore your new home-town .</p>
<h3>Don't be shy about asking for help</h3>
<p><a href="/life-at-bellerbys/student-care">At Bellerbys, the friendly Student Services staff will always be happy to answer all your questions.</a> They can offer help, support and advice on everything from medical registration with a GP to where to purchase your bus pass. Whatever and whenever you need, they will provide the best support to help as you're&nbsp;settling into life in the UK so that you can fully concentrate on your study.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:00:00 -0700{5F5A4E18-995D-44D1-AA68-745DC0D1A223}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/7-benefits-of-studying-a-levels-in-the-uk7 benefits of studying A Levels in the United Kingdom<h2>Why choose A Levels?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are many study programmes available at international colleges, but UK A levels are by far the most popular. A number of colleges, like Bellerbys, specialise in A levels for international students. So why do so many students from around the world choose to study them?&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. They are the UK&rsquo;s gold standard for university entry</strong></p>
<p>If it&rsquo;s your ambition to go to university in the UK, then you should consider taking A levels first. Although UK universities do accept other entrance qualifications, the admissions system is geared towards A levels. With A levels you do not have to take foundation courses - you can go straight to your degree.</p>
<p><strong>2. They help prepare you for university in the UK</strong></p>
<p>One of the reasons many international students take A levels in the UK is because it's the best way to prepare for university. They are a great introduction to the study habits required by UK universities because they have been&nbsp;designed as university entrance exams. </p>
<p><strong>3. They are the best route into top universities</strong></p>
<p>A levels are the preferred entry qualification for many top universities and&nbsp;the best route for students with an excellent academic record who hope to study at one of the UK&rsquo;s top universities, such as &nbsp;Oxford, Cambridge or other Russell Group institutions. Taking A levels demonstrates your commitment to securing a place at a UK university.</p>
<p><strong>4. They are widely recognised internationally</strong></p>
<p>Because the A level standard is widely recognised by prestigious institutions around the world, not just the UK, it is a great choice if you want to choose from the widest range of options later on. Many other qualifications have to be topped up, but A Levels generally let you skip that stage and smooth the admissions process.</p>
<p><strong>5. They allow you to specialise</strong></p>
<p>While many other university entrance qualifications focus on a broad education, A levels allow you to focus on a few subjects that relate to the course you want to study at university. Colleges that offer A levels for international students often focus on subjects such as Business, Mathematics and Sciences as well as core Humanities subjects, including English and History.</p>
<p><strong>6. They help improve your English skills</strong></p>
<p>Students who study for A levels in the UK before starting their degree programme gain a key advantage &ndash; superior English language skills. And A levels don't just prepare you for university. In the nurturing environment of a international college like Bellebys, academic study is complemented with enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most from the experience.</p>
<p><strong>7. Employers love A Levels</strong></p>
<p>While A levels are important for admission to university, they also provide advantages later on. A levels &ndash; and their grade levels &ndash; are widely recognised by employers around the world. A strong set of A level results, combined with your degree, will help you stand out from other candidates. This is a great way to demonstrate consistent performance and your ability to meet international standards of excellence. </p>
<p>Given these benefits, it&rsquo;s not surprising that <a href="/find-your-course/a-level">A levels for international students</a> are becoming increasingly popular. As one of the best ways to make the transition from school to university, they are an ideal way to prepare yourself for a successful future.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Why not <a href="/find-your-course">find your perfect course</a>&nbsp;today?</p>Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:00:00 -0700{1AAA942A-C00E-4922-A43F-2B8A9E3A60B0}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/study-abroad/benefits-of-studying-in-europeBenefits of studying in Europe<h2>Why study in Europe?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>There are many destinations to choose from for international students who want to study abroad. The United States, Australia and New Zealand are popular and in Asia, Singapore and China attract attention with their growing economies. But Europe, particularly the UK,&nbsp;offers all the benefits of studying abroad and is the best destination for international students for the following reasons.</p>
<p>
</p>
<h3>Excellent educational system</h3>
<p>International students are entitled to the best education and Europe provides it.</p>
<p>The high quality of teaching and learning in Europe is constantly monitored and improved by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) created through the Bologna Process. The EHEA ensures the comparability and compatibility of the educational systems in Europe, which means that European universities cannot afford to let their standards slip and are prompted to continue improving.</p>
<p>Europe has a long-standing tradition of learning and education. The very first high-learning institutions were established in ancient Greece. Education has always been an essential part of European culture. Universities in Europe have state-of-the-art technology, modern facilities and the best educators. Their libraries house an extensive collection of books, from standard textbooks to rare first-editions, that will definitely quench your thirst for knowledge.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Students who study in Europe have a wide range of high quality, institutions to choose from. The UK in particular has many highly regarded universities. Oxford and Cambridge remain on top of the league tables and other UK universities are not far behind.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Travelling</h3>
<p>Studying in Europe gives you the opportunity to travel easily from country to country to visit beautiful and historic landmarks and cites.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A student visa or residence permit of any European country - with the exception of the UK and Norway -&nbsp;entitles you to visit other countries that are parts of the Schengen area. If you choose to study in the UK, it is easy to obtain a Schengen visa in London. &nbsp;The single currency, the Euro, is used in most countries (not the UK) so it's easy to travel without worrying about exchange rates. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Europe is the ultimate place to travel.&nbsp;A friend of mine, who was on an exchange year, travelling to about fifteen or more European countries in the nine months she was in the UK. During her last seven weeks, with one backpack, she travelled to eighteen cities, from Prague to Venice. Only in Europe can you have such an experience.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Culture</h3>
<p>Europe has a rich history with a variety of cultures that are all vibrant and enticing in their own unique way.&nbsp;Music and the arts are not the only things that flourish in Europe. It's the cradle of Western civilisation and home to many&nbsp;philosophers,politicians, economists and scientists who have gifted a wealth of knowledge to the world.</p>
<p>For philosophers and scientists alike, the UK and Europe are the places to be.&nbsp;The UK is the birthplace of Shakespeare, Charles Darwin, Oscar Wilde and many more.&nbsp;Cities such as London and Edinburgh house cultural treasures that are hard to find elsewhere. What can be more wonderful than studying in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, soaking up the fantastic culture and languages?</p>
<p>
</p>
<h3>Why study in Europe?</h3>
<p>Studying in Europe will give you more than just a brilliant education. When you study overseas you can pick up a language and immerse yourself in local cultures so rich that you will want to come back to experience more.</p>
<p>Bellerbys College guarantees to provide you with the European experience you are looking for with all the advantages of studying abroad. Students can expect the highest quality of teaching by dedicated tutors who graduated from renowned universities, &nbsp;Situated in three major cultural hubs - <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-london">London</a>, <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton">Brighton</a> and <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-cambridge">Cambridge</a> - each Bellerbys College provides everything you need for a unique and rewarding experience. </p>
<p>The option to stay with &nbsp;a host family gives the opportunity to truly experience British culture and perfect your English language skills. Bellerbys College takes pride in providing great student service, with staff who go to great lengths to ensure that you always have the support you need. From local bus passes to getting visa travel.</p>
<p><a href="/gerrors/404.aspx?item=web%3a%7bE4DE9983-A435-44B1-9BD4-3FEF808AD0FF%7d%40en">Learn more about UK education</a></p>Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:00:00 -0700{6D1CDA7B-F5A4-44A2-98F5-6DE6C44F571A}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/our-students/the-duke-of-edinburgh-tripTwo Bellerbys students talk about their experience on the Duke of Edinburgh trip<h2>The Duke of Edinburgh Award&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong>"When you think the road is too long, it means you should continue to walk"</strong></p>
<p><a href="/find-your-course/a-level">Bellerbys A level</a> student Hong Minh (studying Politics, Economics, Further Maths and Accounting) reflects on a tough but exhilarating Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition weekend.</p>
<h3>Tired and cold</h3>
<p>Tired, wet, cold, starving, desperate and excited were the emotions that each of the Duke of Edinburgh Award participants experienced in our weekend hiking expedition to the New Forest. </p>
<p>When we started our journey to the New Forest &ndash; a national park in the south of London - on Saturday morning we were a little bit nervous but looking forward to our weekend hike through the beautiful English countryside. We packed our rucksacks onto the coach and began the expedition.</p>
<p>When we arrived at the Silver starting point at 11:45am we were split into two teams (aged under and over 18 years old). James, our instructor, gave us&nbsp;maps, compasses, checklists and rough instructions before leaving us to find our own way to the first campsite.</p>
<h3>Getting lost in the 'jungle'</h3>
<p>We were excited, but were soon overwhelmed by tiredness after realising we were lost in the middle of the 'jungle'. We split into two teams to hunt for an escape route, which failed when one of the members got stuck in the mud. Climbing up a peak, running down a valley, exploring through the forest, we finally arrived at the campsite at 8.30pm, where James had been waiting for hours. We started to put up the tent and learned how to use the stove then cooked and ate dinner in the darkness.</p>
<p>After sleeping through a freezing night, we woke up at 7.30am the next morning. We were exhausted, due to carrying rucksacks on the back for a whole day. Nevertheless, with some practice at reading the map and using the compass on the first day, we finally arrived at Foxlease &ndash;&nbsp; another campsite &ndash; late in the afternoon. It turned out to be a stormy and windy reunion with heavy rain at midnight."</p>
<h3>There was sunshine&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Luckily enough for all of us, when we started the last 11km hike on Monday it stopped raining and there was sunshine. Despite being the shortest distance so far, the third day came as a shock to most of us. Some had collapsed and decided to give up, some were too tired to pick up their rucksacks, but in the end, when you think the road is too long, you will continue to walk. We kept walking through forests, fields, streams, mud, railways tracks, uphill and downhill, until we saw it - Ashurst station, our last checkpoint! We ran ahead like never before.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At that moment, 11, 14 and 16km a day was just a number. If we believe we can pass it, nothing can stop us. 'It&rsquo;s our school. Hurry up and take your rucksack': The call from a girl sitting next to me on the coach woke me up from a long, deep sleep, which brought me back to where we started three days ago.</p>
<p>We now have our final qualifying expedition to South Downs coming up and I&rsquo;m looking forward to it!</p>
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">
</span>
<p><strong>Jessie (studying <a href="/find-your-course/foundation">Bellerbys Business Foundation</a>)&nbsp;gives some advice to Duke of Edinburgh Award participants</strong></p>
<p>Many students at Bellerbys College take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I asked DofEA programme leader, Paul Harniman, about the benefits of participating:</p>
<p>"First, it is a great programme for the young people" he explained. "They can have a new opportunity to try something different and fresh. Next, due to the fact that there are four sections people must take, they can improve the skills they already have. Last but not least is that they can take these sections regularly and do a lot help to their physical health."</p>
<p><a href="https://bellerbyslondonblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/first-aid-training-hannah-jenny-byron-kin-hou-michelle-delcio-galileu-6.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-68" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #743399; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-68" src="https://bellerbyslondonblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/first-aid-training-hannah-jenny-byron-kin-hou-michelle-delcio-galileu-6.jpg?w=300&amp;h=225" alt="First Aid Training - Hannah, Jenny, Byron, Kin Hou, Michelle, Delcio, Galileu (6)" width="300" height="225" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 100%; height: auto; background-color: transparent;" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bellerbyslondonblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/qualifying-expedition.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-67" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #743399; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-67" src="https://bellerbyslondonblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/qualifying-expedition.jpg?w=300&amp;h=169" alt="qualifying expedition" width="300" height="169" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 100%; height: auto; background-color: transparent;" /></a></p>
<h3>What other benefits does the Duke of Edinburgh Award have?</h3>
<p>Paul said: "Universities and employees in many companies think highly of this and it can be included in students&rsquo; personal statements and job applications in the future career. In addition, students can meet new friends and get on with them. From this activity, they can learn how to manage their time properly. Students who attend this activity can also visit a different part of UK with a different angle and various experience."</p>
<ul>
<li>During your spare time, you should try something new.</li>
<li>Prepare to co-operate with others.</li>
<li>Push yourself in doing some things.</li>
</ul>
<p>I also asked the same questions of the students who took part in the award. In general, they think it is&nbsp;very positive contribution to their college life. It&nbsp;help them to become much more active and it is a really good chance to socialise with other people. </p>
<p>Making new friends and having a colourful college life is better than staying at home and doing nothing. What&rsquo;s more, it can be written in your personal statement which can be useful for UCAS.</p>
<p>Discover the ways that Bellerbys supports your <a href="/study/universities/applying-to-university">university application</a>.&nbsp;</p>Fri, 17 Mar 2017 16:00:00 -0700{512DF1AE-8280-404C-A6B8-D2818E70F5D9}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/education-uk/best-college-for-foreign-students-ukBest British college for foreign students<h2>Colleges for international students&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Travelling to a new country to study can be the adventure of a lifetime. But even with Skype and Facebook, &nbsp;it's easy to feel lonely when your family and friends are thousands of miles away. This shouldn&rsquo;t be a reason to feel afraid or turn down a fabulous opportunity to study in the UK.&nbsp;With the right help and guidance, you'll quickly begin to enjoy your new life.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="/life-at-bellerbys/student-care">Bellerbys College</a>&nbsp;gives students all the support and encouragement you need to settle down to life in the UK&nbsp;and we make sure your arrival at college is smooth and stress-free.</p>
<h3>Foreign students in a new land</h3>
<p>Whether you have applied for a pre-university <a href="/find-your-course/foundation">foundation course</a>, <a href="/find-your-course/a-level">A level</a> or <a href="/find-your-course/gcses">GCSE</a>, Bellerbys College&nbsp;takes pride in catering for students from every corner of the world.</p>
<p>We are&nbsp;renowned for allowing you sufficient time and space to get used to British culture at your own pace. Adapting to different food and patterns of eating, understanding and speaking a foreign language, and even acclimatising to the weather is exciting at first, but can easily become emotionally stressful if not handled correctly.
</p>
<p>Living in a foreign country, adopting to and coping with different habits - including British academic methods - needs special &nbsp;understanding that only a truly international college like Bellerbys can provide. When you arrive on one of our campuses in <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-london">London</a>, <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-cambridge">Cambridge</a> and <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton">Brighton</a> you will get all the help you need to feel relaxed and comfortable in your new environment.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>School advice, guidance and support</h3>
<p>As the best college for foreign students in UK, expert advice is on hand at all stages of your time with us. We give emotional as well as practical support to make sure you succeed when you start your studies. You will receive the very best counselling to steer you towards the most appropriate university or the right postgraduate course to match your academic ambitions.</p>
<p>From day one, each and every student is treated as in individual, regardless of background.&nbsp;We take time to ensure you learn at your own pace and build on your strengths and abilities.&nbsp;Our streamlined, intensive courses offer an unrivalled experience to grow your self confidence and academic ability.</p>
<h3>Sate of the art facilities</h3>
<p>As you would expect from the international school for foreign students in UK,&nbsp;Bellerbys colleges have superb en-suite accommodation with high-quality restaurants, cafeterias. Teaching is carried out in purpose-built classrooms with a wide range of equipment, from WiFi to well-stocked libraries.</p>
<p>We make sure that you college life in a foreign country will be truly fulfilling, with a lifetime of enjoyable memories. It is no surprise that Bellerbys enjoys worldwide status as the best UK college for international students.</p>
<p><a href="/find-your-course">Find your course</a></p>Thu, 16 Feb 2017 16:00:00 -0800{35431C6C-440F-4CD2-8CBB-C4D841C025F6}http://www.bellerbys.com/blog/categories/accommodation/the-pros-and-cons-of-living-in-the-dormsThe pros and cons of living in a college residence<h2>What's it like to live in student accommodation?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Travelling to study in a new country is a big change and that living in comfortable, secure accommodation is an important part of settling down to your studies and making friends. Bellerbys gives you a choice of places to stay at our schools in <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-brighton/brighton-accommodation">Brighton</a>, <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-london/london-accommodation">London</a> or <a href="/colleges/bellerbys-college-cambridge/cambridge-accommodation">Cambridge</a>. You can live in a modern college residence, sometimes called dorms or a Homestay with a local family. The choice is yours.</p>
<h3>The pros and cons of living in a college residence</h3>
<h4>Advantages </h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Distance</strong>. When you live in a college residence everything is on your doorstep.&nbsp;You won&rsquo;t have to wake up extra early to walk or take the bus to school each morning or spend money on bus fares or taxis too.</li>
<li><strong>Make friends quickly.</strong> You&rsquo;ll be living in a building filled with potential new friends from all over the world. It&rsquo;s also comforting too know everyone around you is going through the same experience of settling into a new country as you are.</li>
<li><strong>Finding a study partner is easy.</strong> Your classmates are also your neighbours. So as well as making new friends, you'll easily find study partners. Never underestimate the power of teamwork. Learning together is a great way to consolidate your learning and stay motivated. You won't have to struggle with homework or a concept you found hard to understand in class alone because there&rsquo;ll always be someone nearby to help out.</li>
<li><strong>Nicely cooked meals.&nbsp;</strong>Living on campus&nbsp;means you can eat for free in the on-site cafeteria. There's always a wide choice of delicious, freshly-prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So you don't have spend time buying food, cooking it and doing the washing up unless you choose to stay in self-catering accommodation.</li>
<li><strong>Modern and comfortable.&nbsp;</strong>Bellerbys modern college residences are designed for comfort with all the facilities you need, such as laundry rooms, WiFi and common areas where you can hang-out to watch TV with other students. Most bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms too.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>A sense of responsibility and independence</strong>. Your confidence will naturally grow as you learn to look after yourself, which will come in handy later in life.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Disadvantages</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Noise.</strong>&nbsp;You will be living in a building with other teenagers. The residence staff ensure peace and order but you can expect to hear noise from voices, slamming doors and music. This can sometimes be annoying when you need to sleep or concentrate on work.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Hustle and bustle.</strong> You will be living side-by-side with your classmates which might feel strange if you're not used to being surrounded by so many people. And there will always be a drama going on somewhere around you.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>It's not a home from home.</strong>&nbsp;Although you're surrounded by friends, you will often be alone in your room which can sometimes feel lonely and increase homesickness. If you want the cosiness of a family home then a Homestay might be better for you.</li>
<li><strong>Routine can become boring.</strong>&nbsp;It can be easy to slip into the same routine day-in, day-out. And because you're living so close to college you might get bored of seeing the same people each morning at the cafeteria, the same rooms and even the same walk across campus to class.</li>
<li><strong>It can be isolating.</strong> In the same way, living and studying in the same place every day means you need to make the effort to explore the city and get to experience the local culture.</li>
</ul>Mon, 13 Feb 2017 16:00:00 -0800